LIVERPOOL FC players donned the red of Father Christmas for a festive visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The footballers took time from their preparations for Sunday’s match against Aston Villa and delivered some seasonal cheer to sick children in the city hospital.

Among those playing Santa’s little helper for the day were strikers Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Craig Bellamy.

Midfielders Jay Spearing, Dirk Kuyt, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing were joined by defenders Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and John Flanagan, together with LFC manager Kenny Dalglish, to cheer up the children, many of whom will have to spend the Christmas holiday in hospital.